Growth rate exports slightly up again

14/12/2010 15:00

In October 2010, the volume of goods exports was up by just over 10 percent on October 2009, a slightly higher growth rate than in September. The volume of goods imports grew by nearly 15 percent, considerably more than the growth rate of just under 11 percent in September. Volume figures have been corrected for the number of working days.

According to the Exports Radar for December 2010, conditions for Dutch exports are improving.

The value of exported goods totalled 32.4 billion euro, more than 15 percent up on one year previously. The value of imports grew by nearly 20 percent to 28.9 billion euro. The trade surplus amounted 3.5 billion euro, a decrease of 0.4 billion euro from October 2009.

The value of imports and exports of raw materials and mineral fuels was distinctly higher than twelve months previously. The trade value of food and beverages showed a low growth.

Imports from non-EU countries grew much faster than imports from EU countries. The same pattern emerges for exports.

Export prices were 7.6 percent higher than twelve months previously. Import prices were 7.1 percent higher. As a result, terms of trade were slightly up on October 2009.